Cincinnati, Ohio, offers a diverse climate that brings a variety of weather conditions throughout the year.
Located in the northern hemisphere, this city experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own unique charm.
July stands out as the hottest month, with average highs reaching around 86°F and lows near 67°F. On the other hand, January is the coldest month, with temperatures averaging a high of 40°F and a low of 25°F.
Residents and visitors can expect a moderate cold season lasting from November 30 to February 29, with daily high temperatures below 49°F.
The weather can vary significantly from month to month, with September bringing the least rainfall, averaging 1.54 inches over 12.1 days.
The climate and weather patterns are well-documented by stations like Cincinnati Municipal Airport Lunken Field and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, making weather reports and forecasts reliable.
Understanding Cincinnati’s climate can help in planning activities and outings.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy sunny days or prepare for colder months, having a grasp of the local weather is essential.
With 2574 hours of annual sunshine, Cincinnati offers ample opportunities for outdoor adventures and experiences year-round.
Average Temperature in Cincinnati, Ohio
In Cincinnati, Ohio, temperatures vary significantly throughout the year.
January is the coldest month, with an average low of 25°F and a high of 40°F.
February temperatures are slightly warmer, ranging from 27°F to 44°F.
March sees a rise, with lows around 36°F and highs reaching 55°F.
By April, temperatures continue to climb, with lows of 45°F and highs of 66°F.
May offers more warmth, with low temperatures around 55°F and highs near 76°F.
June sees summer fully arriving, with temperatures ranging from 65°F to 83°F.
July is the hottest month, featuring an average high of 86°F and a low of 67°F.
August temperatures reflect July, usually between 65°F and 85°F.
In September, the weather begins to cool, with lows of 58°F and highs of 78°F.
October sees further decreases, ranging from 46°F to 66°F.
November marks the start of the cold season, with average lows around 36°F and highs near 54°F.
December closes the year on a chilly note, with temperatures from 28°F to 43°F.
On the coldest nights, temperatures can drop to 0°F or below.
It’s also worth noting Cincinnati has about 22 days a year when the temperature doesn’t rise above 32°F.
Average Precipitation in Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati experiences varying precipitation patterns throughout the year, including both rainfall and snowfall. The city has notable wet and dry periods, as well as specific months with higher or lower precipitation levels.
Average Rainfall in Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati receives an average annual precipitation of about 42.24 inches.
Rainfall is spread fairly evenly throughout the year, though some months see higher amounts.
June tends to be the wettest month, often recording significant rainfall.
Rain is most frequent in the spring and summer, with occasional thunderstorms adding to the totals.
On average, Cincinnati has around 132 rainy days per year.
Rain is generally more frequent from March to May, tapering off briefly in late summer.
Each month during the spring can see over four inches of rain, while late summer often experiences slightly drier conditions.
Average Snow in Cincinnati, Ohio
Snowfall in Cincinnati varies, but the city generally sees an average of about 22 inches per year.
The snow season runs from late November to early March. January is typically the snowiest month, with an average snowfall of around 6 inches.
December and February also see considerable snow, contributing to the overall annual total.
Snow days, although less frequent than rainy days, can still be significant during the peak winter months.
This snow tends to melt relatively quickly but can occasionally lead to icy conditions, affecting both transportation and daily life.
Average Sun in Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati experiences various amounts of sunshine throughout the year. The amount of daylight, as well as the intensity of solar energy, differs considerably from month to month, influencing activities and lifestyle.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Cincinnati, Ohio
In Cincinnati, the average daily shortwave solar energy ranges significantly throughout the year.
The city receives the most solar energy during the summer months.
For instance, in June, it gets approximately 5.7 kWh per square meter per day. This high amount of energy correlates with long days and increased sunlight hours.
The winter months are quite different.
During December, Cincinnati only receives about 2.1 kWh per square meter per day. Shorter days and increased cloud cover are common, lowering the amounts of solar energy.
The number of sunshine hours also fluctuates.
In July, Cincinnati sees around 10.6 hours of sunshine per day. This drops to about 4.4 hours in January. The city’s total yearly sunshine averages about 2,574 hours.
Understanding these patterns helps residents plan activities and manage energy usage better.
Average Humidity in Cincinnati, Ohio
The average humidity in Cincinnati varies throughout the year.
December is usually the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 73%. In contrast, April has the least humidity, averaging around 62%.
Cincinnati, on an annual basis, holds an average relative humidity of approximately 70% (source).
In the hotter months, the high humidity can make it feel more muggy, leading to higher dew points.
Conversely, in winter, the lower temperatures combined with moderate humidity result in a less muggy atmosphere.
Relative humidity generally influences comfort levels and perception of temperature. Higher readings can sometimes lead to hot days feeling even hotter.
| Month | Average Humidity |
|---|---|
| January | 72% |
| February | 70% |
| March | 68% |
| April | 62% |
| May | 67% |
| June | 70% |
| July | 72% |
| August | 73% |
| September | 70% |
| October | 70% |
| November | 73% |
| December | 73% |
This fluctuation affects daily weather and comfort, especially during peak summer and winter months. Higher humidity levels combined with summer heat can increase the discomfort, while lower humidity in cooler months often feels more comfortable (source).
Average Wind in Cincinnati, Ohio
The wind in Cincinnati varies throughout the year. Average wind speeds typically range from about 5 to 12 mph.
The windiest month in Cincinnati tends to be March, with an average wind speed around 10 mph. In contrast, the calmest month is typically August, when the average wind speed drops down to about 5 mph.
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 9 |
| February | 9.5 |
| March | 10 |
| April | 9.3 |
| May | 8.6 |
| June | 7.5 |
| July | 6.5 |
| August | 5 |
| September | 6 |
| October | 7 |
| November | 8 |
| December | 8.5 |
Wind direction is also an important aspect. In Cincinnati, winds predominantly come from the west and southwest. These prevailing winds influence the weather patterns significantly.
Additionally, the wind can influence other weather factors like temperature and precipitation. Therefore, monitoring wind trends can be crucial for various outdoor activities and planning.
Average Air Quality in Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati’s air quality varies throughout the year. On average, the city’s air quality index (AQI) usually falls in the “Good” to “Moderate” category. For instance, recent air quality data shows AQI levels ranging from 39 (“Good”) to 56 (“Moderate”).
Factors Affecting Air Quality
PM2.5 Levels: Annual PM2.5 levels in Cincinnati were recorded at 10.1 μg/m³ in 2020, which is considered low but still significant enough to impact rankings globally.
Weather Conditions: Weather plays a critical role in air quality.
The region experiences different weather patterns, which influence air quality. For example, wind speeds, which range around 11.2 mph, can help disperse pollutants, improving air quality.
Visibility and Pressure
Visibility: Air quality directly impacts visibility. In Cincinnati, visibility can change based on pollution levels and weather.
Clear skies generally indicate better air quality, leading to good visibility, while higher pollution can reduce visibility.
Pressure: Atmospheric pressure influences air quality by affecting the dispersion of pollutants. Higher pressure usually means stable air and potentially higher pollution levels near the ground.
Air Quality Data Summary
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| AQI Level | 39 – 56 |
| PM2.5 Average | 10.1 μg/m³ |
| Wind Speed | 11.2 mph |
| Hottest Month | July (86°F) |
| Coldest Month | January (25°F) |
Cincinnati’s air quality is generally good, but certain times and conditions can lead to moderate pollution levels. Knowing these factors can help residents plan better and make healthier lifestyle choices.
Topography of Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati, located in southwestern Ohio along the northern bank of the Ohio River, features diverse terrain. The city spans a region characterized by rolling hills and valleys, providing a scenic backdrop.
The elevation of Cincinnati averages around 545 feet above sea level. Some areas, particularly near the river, are lower, while the hills can reach higher altitudes.
Cincinnati’s coordinates are approximately 39.1031° N latitude and 84.5120° W longitude. This geographical positioning places Cincinnati directly across the river from Kentucky, creating a unique cross-state metropolitan area.
The city is home to numerous parks and green spaces situated at various elevations. For instance, Sawyer Point Park and Lytle Park offer locations for recreation and stunning views given their higher altitudes.
In summary, Cincinnati’s topography is marked by its varied elevations, rolling hills, and proximity to the Ohio River, making it an interesting and picturesque city.
Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati experiences various extreme weather events throughout the year.
Tornadoes can occur, especially during the spring and early summer months. The region is known to face isolated tornado risks, with spin-up tornadoes being possible during severe storms.
Flooding is another concern for Cincinnati. Heavy rainfall, especially during severe storms, can lead to flash flooding in low-lying areas and near rivers.
Hailstorms are also prevalent. These storms can produce hailstones of varying sizes, which can cause damage to property and vehicles.
The city also sees severe thunderstorms. These can bring damaging winds, large hail, and intense lightning. Such storms are typically more common in the warmer months, from late spring to early fall.
Additionally, extreme cold weather events have been recorded. Cincinnati can experience significant snowfall, ice storms, and cold snaps, especially during the winter months.
For example, a major event on December 23, 2022 involved snow, strong winds, and extreme cold temperatures.
The combination of these weather events requires residents to stay informed and prepared.
Cincinnati’s extreme weather patterns are influenced by its geographical location and climate variations. The city’s response to these events involves coordinated efforts from local authorities, as seen in virtual and in-person town halls that discuss severe weather patterns and preparation strategies. Residents are encouraged to participate and stay aware of the potential for such events.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Cincinnati, Ohio
Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Cincinnati due to pleasant weather and numerous events. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are cold with moderate snow.
What is Cincinnati, Ohio Like in Spring
Spring in Cincinnati is characterized by mild temperatures and blooming flowers. From March to May, average daily highs range from the mid-50s to the low-70s Fahrenheit. Rainfall is common, making the landscape lush and green.
Events like the Cincinnati Flower Show and Opening Day for the Cincinnati Reds provide plenty of activities. It’s a good time for outdoor activities like hiking or visiting parks due to the comfortable weather. Spring is ideal for those who enjoy mild weather and fewer crowds.
What is Cincinnati, Ohio Like in Summer
Summer in Cincinnati runs from June to September with hot and humid conditions. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 86°F and lows near 67°F. Rain and thunderstorms are frequent.
The city is bustling with festivals, outdoor concerts, and sporting events. The Ohio River offers recreational activities like boating and fishing. Despite the heat, summer attracts many visitors due to school vacations and vibrant city life.
What is Cincinnati, Ohio Like in Fall
Fall in Cincinnati, from September to November, offers mild to cool temperatures. Highs range from the mid-70s in September to the mid-50s in November. October is a particularly mild month with an average temperature of 56°F.
The fall foliage is stunning, making it a great time for scenic drives and outdoor activities. Events like Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, the largest Oktoberfest in the U.S., draw large crowds. This season is less crowded than summer but still full of things to do.
What is Cincinnati, Ohio Like in Winter
Winter in Cincinnati lasts from November to February with cold temperatures and occasional snow.
January is the coldest month, with average highs around 31°F. Snowfall averages around 22 inches per year.
Winters can be unpredictable, ranging from mild to bitterly cold.
While outdoor activities are limited, indoor attractions like museums and theaters are popular.
It’s a quiet season, perfect for those who don’t mind the cold and prefer fewer tourists.